FACE painting, workshops, character appearances and craft sessions are among some of the activities in store for kids next week as Merry Hill gears up for half-term.

The Brierley Hill shopping centre is pulling out all the stops to ensure that little ones are entertained from Monday (February 16) right through until Saturday (February 21).

Kicking off the jam-packed week on Monday, little ones will be invited to get creative at a cookie decorating workshop, where they can decorate their very own sweet treat.

The foodie fun continues on Tuesday, when the centre will be holding a free pancake decorating workshop in honour of Shrove Tuesday.

There will be free face painting and glitter tattoos for kids on Wednesday and the centre will be once again holding the hugely popular cupcake decorating workshop on Thursday.

Themed interactive workshops will take place on Friday, featuring a range of crafts and creative workshops in anticipation of popular children’s character Tree Fu Tom’s visit to the centre at the weekend.

Tree Fu Tom will be taking a break from his adventures in enchanted Treetopolis to make a very special appearance at the centre on Saturday and little one can join him for storytelling sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Parents can collect free tickets for the sessions from customer services from Monday while stocks last.

To celebrate DreamWorks’ animated adventure Home landing at cinemas across the UK on March 20, a space and adventure themed workshops will be running all week.

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, kids can make their own out-of-this-world alien craft, and on Tuesday and Thursday there’ll be the opportunity to decorate their very own alien mask.

Marketing manager, Rob Pickersgill, said: “We’ve got some fantastic activity planned for kids this half-term. With a jam-packed schedule, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information, visit www.intu.co.uk/merryhill.